Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana Face EF2 Tornadoes, Very Large Hail and Damaging Winds Wednesday Afternoon Into Early Evening With Storms Already Underway
MISSISSIPPI, ALABAMA AND LOUISIANA — The National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center have issued key messages for Wednesday, May 6, 2026 confirming that severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes possibly reaching EF2 or stronger, large to very large hail and damaging wind gusts are possible across the Southeast today. Strong storms are already underway this morning, with the main severe threat running from afternoon into at least the early evening hours.
Primary Risks Wednesday May 6
The NWS key message updated at 2:33 AM CDT Wednesday confirms three primary hazards:
- Tornado — EF2 or stronger possible across the risk zone
- Hail — large to very large hail capable with stronger storm cells
- Wind — damaging wind gusts across the full risk corridor
Risk Zone by Category Wednesday
| Risk Level | Zone |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Risk Level 3 | Jackson MS, Meridian, Hattiesburg, Monroe LA core |
| Slight Risk Level 2 | Shreveport, Greenville, Tupelo, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Mobile |
| Marginal Risk Level 1 | Memphis, Little Rock, Huntsville, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Pensacola |
| Thunder | Fort Smith, Russellville, Nashville, Murfreesboro, Atlanta, LaGrange |
Timing — Afternoon Into Early Evening Is the Main Window
Strong storms may begin during the morning hours but the peak severe weather threat arrives during the afternoon and continues into at least the early evening. Residents across the Enhanced and Slight Risk zones should have shelter plans ready and alerts active well before noon Wednesday.
Safety Actions
- Be prepared to take action immediately if watches or warnings are issued
- Monitor www.spc.noaa.gov and www.weather.gov for the latest risk area updates
- Have multiple ways to receive alerts active now
Residents across Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana should treat this as an active and dangerous severe weather day from this morning through at least Wednesday evening.
Stay with CabarrusWeekly.com for live Wednesday severe weather updates across Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.
